Worthy Brief - 12/24/2024
Friend, what are you doing today?
Psalm 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers successfully got their “flying machine” off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: “We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas.” Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, “How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.”
He totally missed the BIG news – this was the first any human had flown!!
How often do we do the same with God? We get so caught up in the daily hustle—work, ministry, family life—that we miss the bigger picture of what God is doing all around us. He’s weaving an incredible story, and we’re a part of it! Yet, if we don’t stop to realign our focus on Him, we risk laboring in vain.
Friend, let's take a break for a moment, rejoice in the fact that God has an awesome plan in which He has called us to participate, and ask Him for wisdom concerning what He would have us do today.
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah
(Dallas, Texas)
Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce.
Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out!
Editor's Note: Dear friends — we are going to be heading WEST!!! Now booking in the following states: Texas, New Mexico and Arizona …. If you know Pastors, Rabbis or Ministry Leaders who might be interested in some powerful Israeli style Hebrew/English worship and a refreshing word from Worthy News about what’s going on in the Land, please let us know how to connect with them and we will do our best to get you on our schedule! You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.
China Warns US on Taiwan: ‘Playing With Fire’
China's government protested U.S. military aid to Taiwan, warning that the U.S. is "playing with fire" and cautioning that such actions "will get the U.S. burned."
Pentagon: US Has 2,000 Troops in Syria, Not 900 as Previously Stated
The US Defense Department confirmed Thursday that there are actually around 2,000 American troops currently deployed in Syria, rather than the previously stated figure of around 900, MediaLine reports. The updated information follows the ouster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamic insurgent group on December 1.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militias Declare Halt to Actions Against Israel
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have reportedly agreed to cease actions against Israel, according to the Hezbollah-affiliated newspaper Al-Akhbar.
Israel Intercepts Ballistic Missile Launched From Yemen
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward central Israel in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The projectile, which triggered sirens across central and southern Israel, was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, preventing any potential damage or casualties.
Inside the United States
Biden Defends Commuting Death Sentences After Vatican Pressure (Worthy News Focus)
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to commute the death sentences of 37 inmates Monday, citing “moral and policy” objections, after facing pressure from the Vatican and others opposing capital punishment.
Trump Vows to Designate Mexican Cartels as Terrorists, Announces Anti-Drug Ad Blitz
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations in an effort to combat the growing influence and violence associated with these groups. In addition, he revealed plans to launch a comprehensive anti-drug advertising campaign within the United States.
Biden Stops Execution of Nearly All Death Row Inmates
President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 Americans on federal death row on Monday.
SCOTUS to Hear Case on Defunding Planned Parenthood Abortion Provider
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Dec. 18) agreed to consider a request by South Carolina to deny public funding to Planned Parenthood on the grounds that, in addition to providing healthcare services, it is the nation’s leading abortion provider, Reuters reports.
Christian News
Hundreds of Christians Flee Papua Violence
Hundreds of displaced Christian residents will likely celebrate Christmas outside their homes in an area of Indonesia's conflict-stricken easternmost Papua province unless Indonesian security forces withdraw there, a bishop says.
Sudan Christians In Crossfire; Prayers Urged
With Christmas approaching, Christians urged prayers for their community in war-stricken Sudan, saying they are in the crossfire as a bishop and a pastor were among those being attacked.